5 Questions: Fall “Color” Tour

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5 Questions: Fall “Color” Tour

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Wednesday, September 28, 2016 – 02:45

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Japanese Brewery Makes Beer That Tells You When to Drink It

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Suntory Japan

Just as certain beers are best enjoyed during certain seasons, there are some beers that taste best at a particular time. Light beers like pale lagers are great for day drinking, while darker and hoppier beers are best saved for the evening. Brewing company Suntory Japan decided to take these unwritten rules and make them official: They now sell beers meant to be consumed at very specific times. 

The new “Hop Time 6:00 p.m.” and “Hop Time 9:00 p.m.” give these instructions right in the name. Hop Time 6:00 p.m. was specially brewed to drink as the sun goes down; thanks to Hallertau Blanc hops and a late hopping process, the beer is meant to pair perfectly with a sunset. It also sports a bright orange can to further sell the point. Meanwhile, the 9:00 p.m. version wears a darker design on the can that shows a night sky. Citra hops give the beer a smooth floral and citrusy flavor meant to give the feeling of stargazing on a crisp evening. 

As you might have guessed, these timely beers are only available in Japan for the time being. While we wait for the trend to come stateside, we’ll have to just make due with the old “it’s five o’clock somewhere” strategy. 

[h/t RocketNews24]

Know of something you think we should cover? Email us at tips@mentalfloss.com.


September 28, 2016 – 6:30am

Morning Cup of Links: The Worst of ‘Star Trek’

filed under: Links

The 15 Worst Episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series. Even when they were train wrecks, we couldn’t stop watching.
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This is Banned Books Week. This year, LGBTQ and Other “Diverse” Books Lead the Banned Books List.
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18 Tweets about physics that will make you laugh. There’s a little astronomy and chemistry in there, too.
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Why You Should Totally Talk Politics Over Family Dinner. Keeping silent to avoid conflict is more stressful than an argument.  
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Otzi The Iceman ‘Speaks’ After 5,000 Years Of Silence. Scientists have recreated what they believe may have been the mummy’s voice.
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The average American woman is now a size 16. Here’s what that really means. It’s just a number.   
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Who’s getting rich in rural America? Wealthy people are now living next door to poor folks.


September 28, 2016 – 5:00am

Sell Your Furniture Online in 5 Simple Steps

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iStock

Ready to sell your old furniture? Dark photos and sketchy details won’t find you any buyers. To get the most money for those pieces and get them out of your house quickly, just follow these steps.

1. TAKE A GREAT PHOTO.

First, turn off the flash, says Anne Doherty, owner of Annie’s Attic, who purchases older furniture, refurbishes it, and sells it in Illinois. “Natural lighting is better than flash, so as to capture the true color and not create any dramatic shadows or spotlights, which may be caused by forced lighting or camera flashes.” Most of her shots are taken head-on and at eye level, and she includes detail pictures taken at a slight angle in her listings.

2. SHOW SCALE.

It’s important to include a photograph of your furniture in a lifestyle setting (in addition to a product photo on a white background), says Dayna Winter, content marketer at Shopify. “This helps to show scale, which is important—it’s hard to really picture the size of a couch from measurements,” Winter says.

3. DESCRIBE THE FURNITURE PROPERLY.

There’s an entire book dedicated to parsing the way we talk about furniture: Furniture Phraseology: 842 Furniture Phrases to Help Sell Furniture Online and Offline. That’s how important it is to describe the pieces accurately, says Willie Davis, who wrote the book and was a marketing consultant in the home furnishings industry for 19 years.

Some of the phrases he concocted include: “Finely crafted drawers, roomy and deep enough to store your linens and flatware;” and “The beauty of a pedestal table—but built solidly enough to handle the bumps and jostles of family dinners night after night.” The key is to go beyond simply stating what the piece is and to really make the potential buyer fall in love with it, to make them envision their flatware inside of it.

4. PROVIDE DETAILS.

Identify the furniture’s design in the description, says Harry Rinker, a national antiques and collectibles expert. Is it Mid-Century Modern? Art Nouveau? When was it made? Who manufactured it? Since many people are searching for a specific style, they’ll enter those terms when they’re searching. The more specific you get, the better. 

5. GO BEYOND CRAIGSLIST.

There are specific websites designed for furniture-selling, so if you’ve tried Craigslist without any luck, try these:

AptDeco 
This site only sells secondhand furniture, and it focuses on antiques, mid-century, and current finds. It’s free to list, and you’ll pay a 23 percent commission for every item you sell. You can offer a free local pick-up, or the buyer can pay a $35 fee to have it delivered.

Viyet
Operating in large cities across the Northeast, California, Florida, and more, this company comes to your home to photograph and list your unwanted furniture. Once you approve Viyet’s suggested pricing of your items, the company will begin to advertise your wares. If your furniture sells, you keep 50 percent of the profits. As an added perk, Viyet will also store your furniture in its warehouse before it sells, should you so desire.

Krrb
You can sell furniture locally through this site, which also aggregates listings found on eBay and Etsy. There’s no commission, but they require credits to list your items—and you have to buy or earn these credits (you can earn credits by completing your profile, shopping on the site, or sharing on social media).

Chairish
Upload a photo of your item (furniture here is pretty high-end), and have it approved. Once sold, you’ll get 80 percent of the sale price, and Chairish will arrange the shipping. The buyer will have 48 hours to return the item.


September 28, 2016 – 4:00am

Nab Tuesday’s Top Amazon Deals While You Can

Image credit: 
amazon / istock

As a recurring feature, our team combs the Web and shares some amazing Amazon deals we’ve turned up. Here’s what caught our eye today, September 27.

Mental Floss has affiliate relationships with certain retailers, including Amazon, and may receive a small percentage of any sale. But we only get commission on items you buy and don’t return, so we’re only happy if you’re happy. Good luck deal hunting!

GADGETS

Comark Instruments | PDT300 | Waterproof Pocket Digital Thermometer for $20.14 (list price $32.00)

Type C Car Charger, Maxboost 35W with Quick Charge 2.0 Technology+Built-in Type-C (3.1) USB C Adapter Charging Cable for Nexus 5X 6P, MacBook 12″ iPhone, Galaxy S7 S6/Note 6 5, Nokia and More-TC Black for $14.99 (list price $18.99)

All-New Echo Dot (2nd Generation) preorder – Black for $49.99 

Bluetooth V4.1 Audio Transmitter and Receiver,LADUO Touch control Bluetooth Adapter,Support Two Bluetooth Headphones Or Speakers Simultaneously for TV,CD, iPod, MP3,MP4, Car or Home Stereo for $25.50 (list price $69.00)

Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 for Computers, Tablets and Smartphones, Black (920-006342) for $23.74 (list price $49.99)

Zkomori 3Pack 6FT iPhone Lightning Charging Cable Nylon Braided USB Sync Cord for iPhone 7/SE/5/5s6/6s/6 Plus,iPad Air/Mini,iPod,Compatible with iOS10 for $9.85 (list price $25.99)

Logitech M510 Wireless Mouse, Large Mouse, Computer Wireless Mouse for $14.24 (list price $19.95)

Jackery Air 6 – The Thinnest Portable Battery Charger & External Battery Pack – Designed for Apple iPhones and iPads – 3000 mAh (Apple MFI Certified Lightning Cable Included) for $30.59 (list price $79.99)

Anker PowerCore+ mini 3350mAh Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger (3rd Generation, Premium Aluminum Power Bank) One of the Most Compact External Batteries, Uses Panasonic Cells for $12.99 (list price $39.99)

Marshall Amps M-MS-2W-U Micro Guitar Amplifier for $39.99 (list price $49.99)

Sony MDRXB950BT/B Extra Bass Bluetooth Headphones (Black) for $148.00 (list price $199.99)

COM-PAD Nylon Braided Micro USB Cable with Gold-Plated Connectors, 3 Feet (2 Pieces) for $14.97 (list price $23.97)

MAGFORMERS R/C Heavy Duty Vehicles Set for $130.98 (list price $199.99)

Led Clip Reading Light, Raniaco Reading Lamp, USB Rechargeable, Touch Switch Bedside Book Light with Good Eye Protection Brightness for $13.99 (list price $39.99)

KrBn Mini Bluetooth Keyboard (QWERTY Keypad) w/ Touchpad and Backlight for Apple iOS / Android / Windows for $22.49 (list price $49.99)

FosPower 3 Socket Cigarette Lighter Splitter Adapter with 4-Port USB [6.8A / 34W Max] Car Charger for iPhone, Android Smartphones, Tablets & MP3 (Lifetime Warranty) for $16.99 (list price $21.99)

Jackery Mini Portable Charger 3200mAh – External Battery Pack, Power Bank, & Portable iPhone Charger for Apple iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 6, 5, iPad Pro, iPad Mini, Samsung Galaxy S6, and S5 for $11.99 (list price $29.99)

Anker PowerCore Slim 5000 Portable Charger, Ultra Slim External Battery with iPhone battery technology and Fast-Charging PowerIQ, Pocket Friendly Power Bank, Perfectly designed for iPhone for $17.99 (list price $49.99)

Mailiya Wireless Sport Bluetooth Headphones Sweatproof Stable Fit In Ear Earbuds Ergonomic Ear Hook Headset Noise Cancelling Stereo Earphones 7-Hour Working Time with Mic for Running Workout Gym for $27.95 (list price $59.99)

Lexar JumpDrive S75 64GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive – LJDS75-64GABNL (Green) for $13.59 (list price $15.95)

4-port Car Charger, iXCC 9.6A/48W Smart Universal Car Charger(2.4A Per Port) for iphone 7/6s/6/6 Plus,iPad/Air/Air 2/Mini,Galaxy S7/S6/S6 Edge-Silver for $12.99 (list price $22.99)

Sony Xperia M4 Aqua 16GB GSM/LTE Unlocked Cell Phone – Black (U.S. Warranty) for $149.99 (list price $199.99)

Fleemy 16GB Digital Voice Activated Recorder Dictaphone HD with MP3 Hi-Fi Player Rechargeable for $43.70 (list price $99.99)

Lexar Professional 1800x microSDHC 32GB UHS-II W/USB 3.0 Reader Flash Memory Card – LSDMI32GCRBNA1800R for $34.99 (list price $39.99)

BasAcc Apple MFi Certified 3.3FT Lightning to USB Tough Cable by BasAcc [Viper Series], Heavy Duty Tangle-Free Tough-Braided for Sync/Charge iPhone 7/ 7 Plus/ 6S/ 6S Plus, SE, 5S, Fire Engine Red for $11.99 (list price $14.99)

SHARKK Lightning Headphones Tear Resistant Cable with Volume Control Apple MFi Certified for use with iPhone, iPads, iPods for $42.99 (list price $149.99)

LEGO Technic 42042 Crawler Crane for $116.24 (list price $149.99)

iHome IBT69BX Bluetooth Rechargeable Mini Speaker – Black for $20.39 (list price $24.99)

InzhiRui Aluminum Tablet Cell Phone Office Desk Display Stand Holder, Home IPhone Android Phone Docking Station (Black) for $9.99 (list price $22.99)

PUMA Unisex PU910801033 Loop Digital Display Quartz White Watch for $31.95 (list price $50.00)

Invicta Men’s 15350 Pro Diver Analog Display Japanese Quartz Gold Watch for $79.85 (list price $795.00)

Armitron Sport Men’s 40/8254BLK Black Digital Chronograph Watch for $22.84 (list price $35.00)

Casio Men’s PRG-270B-3CR PRO TREK Green Watch for $110.62 (list price $200.00)

Stuhrling Original Men’s 850.03 Aviator Day and Date Watch With Blue Strap for $70.50 (list price $96.38)

Bulova Men’s 98B247 Accutron II Analog Japanese Quartz Black Watch for $160.92 (list price $599.00)

KITCHEN

Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware, Steamer Insert, 4 1/2-quart, Black for $79.99 (list price $150.00)

Etekcity Digital Food Kitchen Scale, Stainless Steel 11lb 5kg Silver for $12.99 (list price $28.99)

Chef’s Star Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher, 24 Ounce for $7.99 (list price $39.99)

All-Clad 700362 MC2 Professional Master Chef 2 Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded Oven Safe PFOA Free Cookware Set, 10-Piece, Silver for $449.99 (list price $788.12)

T-fal C085SC74 OptiCook Thermo-Spot Titanium Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Oven Safe Fry Pan Cookware Set, 12-Piece, Black for $65.00 (list price $119.99)

Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad Stainless-Steel 5-Quart 11-Inch Covered Deep Saute Pan for $46.54 (list price $51.72)

Noritake Crestwood Cobalt Platinum 5-Piece Place Setting for $45.89 (list price $64.99)

Elite Platinum EKT-7050 Maxi-Matic 10 Cup Cordless Water Kettle, Stainless Steel for $21.10 (list price $39.99)

Cook N Home 2482 High Stockpot with Lid, 13 quart, Stainless Steel for $25.48 (list price $39.99)

WOMUL Safety gloves set (1pair heat resistant bbq silicone gloves + 1pair cut resistant gloves) for $16.90 (list price $33.98)

Old Dutch 9-Inch Pedestal Colander, Copper for $24.80 (list price $53.99)

27-Piece Cake Decorating Tips Kits, OliveTech Professional Stainless Steel Icing Tip Set Tools Includes Reusable 10in Silicone Pastry Bag with 2 Reusable Coupler for Cakes Cupcakes Cookies Pastry for $10.00 (list price $24.99)

Breville 800JEXL Juice Fountain Elite 1000-Watt Juice Extractor for $239.95 (list price $299.99)

Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set, Tempered Glass Block for $99.99 (list price $132.05)

Ivation Portable High Capacity Countertop Ice Maker – 2.8-Liter Water Reservoir, 3 Selectable Cube Sizes – Yield of up to 26.5 Pounds of Ice Daily for $124.99 (list price $139.99)

Stainless Steel Unbreakable Wine Glasses- Set of 2 Premium Quality 12 Ounce Wine Glasses for $19.95 (list price $21.95)

ChefLand Georgia Peach 2 Gallon Mason Glass Jar Beverage Dispenser With Stand for $28.77 (list price $40.49)

Chefman RJ11-17-GP Precision Electric Kettle, Silver for $43.43 (list price $99.99)

Cook N Home Adjustable Rolling Pin Nonstick, 10-Inch, Silver for $12.99 (list price $14.99)

Cangshan D Series 59168 German Steel Forged Santoku Knife, 7-Inch for $24.99 (list price $62.95)

Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill for $44.99 (list price $47.45)

Estilo 3 Piece 100% Natural Bamboo Cutting Board Set, Bamboo for $9.36 (list price $12.45)

Hario MSS-1B Mini Coffee Mill Slim Grinder for $24.99 (list price $40.00)

Zojirushi NS-ZCC18 10-Cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker, 1.8-Liters, Premium White for $198.99 (list price $279.00)

Govino Wine Glass Flexible Shatterproof Recyclable, Set of 4 for $12.95 (list price $19.95)

Marquis by Waterford Markham Hiball Collins Glasses, Set of 4 for $31.50 (list price $100.00)

BlenderBottle Classic Loop Top Shaker Bottle, Black, 28 Ounce for $5.22 (list price $9.99)

Best Ice Cube Trays – 2 Large Silicone Pack – 16 Giant 2 Inch Ice Cubes Molds for $14.95 (list price $29.99)

Yeti YRAM30 Rambler Tumbler (30 oz) for $27.98 (list price $39.99)

All-Clad 4110 10-Inch Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Fry Pan, Silver for $88.95 (list price $115.00)

Divine Light Abizoe 30 Oz Tumbler Coolers Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Travel Mugs Stainless Steel Tumbler Cups with Lid – Keeps Drinks Cold and Hot for $14.99 (list price $28.99)

Cuisinart CPT-320 Compact Stainless 2-Slice Toaster, Brushed Stainless for $35.95 (list price $75.00)

Norpro Silicone Microwave Double Egg Poacher, Red for $8.96 (list price $15.99)

Sunsella 4″ Silicone Egg & Pancake Rings – 4 Pack for $10.93 (list price $18.00)

Ice Cream Scoop – Solid stainless steel – Non-slip rubber grip – Dishwasher safe – Stylish premium design for $11.99 (list price $20.99)

Rubbermaid Commercial Products FG288200CLR 6-Ounce Clear Bouncer Bar Scoop for $4.70 (list price $8.42)

RTIC 30 oz. Tumbler for $14.23 (list price $59.95)

Presto 01370 8-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker for $65.99 (list price $119.00)

Instant Pot IP-Smart Bluetooth-Enabled Multifunctional Pressure Cooker, Stainless Steel for $149.95 (list price $247.77)

HOME

Samsonite Prism Two-Piece Hardside Spinner Set (20″/28″), Black for $139.99 (list price $359.99)

Samsonite Proceed Two-Piece Softside Spinner Set (21″/25″), Charcoal for $129.99 (list price $329.99)

Oreck Commercial U2000RB2L-1 LEED-Compliant Upright Vacuum with Endurolife Belt, 2-Speed Switch for $169.99 (list price $302.50)

Aylio Donut Ring Comfort Foam Medical Seat Cushion with Leg and Tailbone Contours for $34.95 (list price $119.95)

J.S. Hanger Durable Wooden Clothes Hangers Natural Finish with Soft Non-slip Stripes – 10 Pack for $14.39 (list price $47.00)

Rowenta DW5080 Focus 1700-Watt Micro Steam Iron Stainless Steel Soleplate with Auto-Off, 400-Hole, Brown for $85.49 (list price $100.00)

Travelmate Memory Foam Neck Pillow, Dark Blue for $12.99 (list price $28.00)

Cotton Linen Decorative Throw Pillow Case Cushion Cover (Blue Floral) 18 “X18” for $2.14 (list price $29.99)

Sunbeam Microplush Heated Throw, Walnut for $56.95 (list price $59.99)

iCanvasART Muhammad Ali Vs. Sonny Liston Canvas Art Print, 26 by 18-Inch for $34.69 (list price $36.52)

LINENSPA 8 Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress – Queen for $154.99 (list price $289.99)

Tomcat Mouse Attractant Gel (For Use with Mouse or Rat Traps) for $3.97 (list price $6.99)

O2COOL 10-inch Portable Fan with AC Adapter for $21.99 (list price $27.99)

Home-it Garment care clothes brush and lint remover (3 in 1 Clothes brushes, Lint Brush and Shoe Horn) for $8.87 (list price $49.99)

Holmes 12 Inch Blizzard Remote Control Power Fan with Rotating Grill for $34.76 (list price $49.99)

Gila LES361 Heat Control Residential Window Film, Platinum, 36-Inch by 15-Feet for $31.97 (list price $40.99)

B&C Home Goods Dual Handle Storage Cubes – Set of 6 Beige Container Bins for $18.99 (list price $49.99)

Holmes HEPA-Type Desktop Air Purifier with 3 Speeds and Quiet Operation, HAP9240 for $39.99 (list price $49.99)

CleverMade CleverCrates Collapsible Storage Bin/Container: Professional Grade 15.8 Liter Utility Basket/Tote, Grey for $10.22 (list price $20.06)

InnoGear Under Cabinet Lighting Counter Closet Light Warm White Motion Sensor Detector Magnetic Stick-on Tap Lights Battery Powered, Pack of 2 for $14.99 (list price $25.99)

Oreck LW100 Magnesium SP Bagged Upright Vacuum for $299.99 (list price $399.99)

AROFUME 350ml 12 Hours ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser Aromatherapy Cool Mist Humidifier for Home for $27.99 (list price $89.99)

Envion Therapure TPP230 Permanent HEPA Type Air Purifier for $79.99 (list price $129.95)

Bionaire BWF0502M-WM Thin Window Fan, White for $37.99 (list price $49.99)

Moen DN8390BN Retreat Glass Shelf, Brushed Nickel for $33.27 (list price $53.45)

Advanced Humidifier with LED Display, TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifier, Ultrasonic Air Humidifier with No Noise, Mist Level Control, and Timer Setting, UPGRADED VERSION for $39.99 (list price $59.99)

StorageManiac 5-shelf Hanging Closet Organizer with Loop Closure – Dark Blue for $14.99 (list price $39.99)

Walker Edison 41″ Media Storage Cabinet, Black for $59.55 (list price $179.00)

AcuRite 02077RM Color Weather Station with Temperature, Humidity and Forecast for $44.99 (list price $49.99)

Pleasant Hearth GLF-5002-68 Sheridan Mobile Fireplace for $176.98 (list price $229.00)

Seville Classics Expandable Closet Organizer System for $99.99 (list price $149.99)

Sir-Mops-a-Lot Spin Mop – Revolutionary Rolling Spin Mop and Stainless Steel Bucket System with 360 Easy Wring Swivel Technology – Top Rated Wood Floor Mop and Tile Floor Mop for $37.99 (list price $44.95)

AIRMEGA 400 The Smarter Air Purifier (Covers 1560 sq. ft.) for $644.99 (list price $749.00)

6 Piece 1500 Thread Count Egyptian Quality Deep Pocket Bed Sheet Set – 2 Extra Pillow Cases – Queen, Multiple Colors Available by Sweet Home Collection for $27.00 (list price $31.00)

BLACK+DECKER D2030 Auto-Off Digital Advantage Iron, White for $44.99 (list price $64.99)

Timex T129B RediSet Dual Alarm Clock with Dual USB Charging and Extreme Battery Backup – Black for $20.29 (list price $24.09)

Sandalwood Scented Jar Candle, 8oz Pure Soy Wax, Fine Home Fragrance for $11.99 (list price $20.00)

HemingWeigh Himalayan Natural Crystal Salt Rock Tea Light Candle Holder – 2 Pack for $8.99 (list price $29.99)

Camco 42827 Reversible Outdoor Mat (9′ x 12′, Checkered) for $50.70 (list price $63.70)

NINJA BRAND Non-Slip Area Rug Pad for Hard Floors, #1 Grip, Maximum Protection (8′ x 10′) for $25.99 (list price $44.75)

Anker RoboVac 10, Self-Docking Robotic Vacuum Cleaner with Drop-Sensing Technology (BLACK) for $199.99 (list price $499.00)

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, Beeswax, 4 Tubes in Blister Box for $8.99 (list price $9.99)

Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter, 6.5 Ounce Tub for $10.38 (list price $16.50)

Burt’s Bees Radiance Facial Cleanser, 6 Ounces for $6.69 (list price $9.99)

Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream, 1.8 Ounce for $13.13 (list price $17.99)

Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion, 1.8 Ounce for $6.69 (list price $17.99)

Burts Bees Renewal Day Lotion SPF 30, 2 Ounces for $12.99 (list price $19.99)

Burt’s Bees Renewal Night Cream, 1.8 Ounce for $14.42 (list price $19.99)

RUSK Engineering W8less Professional 2000 Watt Dryer for $79.95 (list price $135.95)

CHI Air Vibe Digital Touch Hair Dryer 1800W in Pink for $99.99 (list price $149.99)

Maybelline New York Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm, Peach Kiss, 0.15 Ounce for $2.98 (list price $4.49)

Maybelline New York Baby Lips Dr. Rescue Medicated Lip Balm, Too Cool #35, 0.15 Ounce for $2.99 (list price $4.49)

Dental Guard -Pack Of 4- Stops Teeth Grinding, Bruxism, Tmj, & Eliminates Teeth Clenching for $19.99 (list price $39.99)

Professional Dental Guard – Pack Of 4 – Stops Teeth Grinding, Bruxism & Eliminates Teeth Clenching for $10.00 (list price $49.95)

Fairy Tales Repel Conditioning Spray, Rosemary, 8 Fluid Ounce for $8.73 (list price $12.95)

Advil Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer, 200mg Ibuprofen (300-Count Coated Tablets ) for $14.43 (list price $23.51)

Avon SKIN-SO-SOFT Bug Guard PLUS IR3535® Insect Repellent Moisturizing Lotion – SPF 30 Gentle Breeze, 4 oz for $7.22 (list price $14.00)

Diphenhydramine HCI 25 Mg – Kirkland Brand – Allergy Medicine and AntihistamineCompare to Active Ingredient of Benadryl® Allergy Generic – 600 Count for $9.33 (list price $19.99)

Natrol Melatonin 5mg ,Natural Strawberry Flavor and Sweeteners, 90 Fast Dissolve Tablets for $5.09 (list price $9.99)

Apex Ultra Pill Splitter for $6.49 (list price $7.49)

Thera Tears, Lubricant Eye Drops, 1-Ounce for $9.94 (list price $18.33)

Allegra 24 Hour Allergy Relief, 180 mg, 45-Count for $19.14 (list price $39.56)

Fractionated Coconut Oil Premium Therapeutic Grade 16 Ounce Liquid Carrier Oil For Aromatherapy Relaxing Massage and Diluting Essential Oils With Pump and eBook for $21.99 (list price $28.99)

Kirkland Signature Extra Strength Acetaminophen 500MG Caplets, 500-Count Bottle for $9.00 (list price $10.62)

Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Creme 8.0 Ounce for $7.39 (list price $12.59)

Molivera Organics Sweet Almond Oil, 16 oz. for $13.47 (list price $19.97)

Briggs 650-4004-0121 Bulb Syringe Sterile, 2 Ounce for $1.91 (list price $4.99)

Orbeez Face Mask Toy for $6.00 (list price $11.99)

ScarAway C-Section Scar Treatment Strips, Silicone Adhesive Soft Fabric 4-Sheets (7 X 1.5 Inch) for $20.79 (list price $52.39)

Fractionated Coconut Carrier Oil – 100% Pure and Natural Therapeutic Grade – 16 oz with Premium Pump – Perfect for Aromatherapy, Massage, Hair and Skin Care by Essential Oil Labs for $34.99 (list price $39.99)

PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer NATURALS 12oz Pump Bottle (Pack of 2) for $10.14 (list price $18.00)

Aveeno Positively Radiant Makeup Removing Wipes, 25 Count for $5.41 (list price $6.49)

OFFICE, SCHOOL, AND CRAFTS

Pentel Color Pen, Set of 36, Assorted (S360-36) for $9.58 (list price $11.99)

Five Star Filler Paper, College Ruled, Reinforced, Loose Leaf Paper, White, 100 Sheets/Pack, 4-Pack (38032) for $13.00 (list price $21.96)

Five Star Spiral Notebook, 5 Subject, 200 College Ruled Sheets, Black and Cobalt Blue, 2 PACK (73035) for $11.99 (list price $26.20)

Quilled Creations Beginner Quilling Kit for $18.20 (list price $29.99)

Swingline Stapler, 747, Business, Manual, 25 Sheet Capacity, Desktop, Grey (74734) for $17.09 (list price $38.59)

Fellowes Powershred 99Ms 14-Sheet Micro-Cut Heavy Duty Paper Shredder with Auto Reverse (4609001) for $326.60 (list price $376.60)

Golden A-Z Heavy Body Acrylic Paint Full Set for $51.88 (list price $79.98)

FlashingBoards Marker Pen 6 or 8 Colors set for LED Writing Menu Board, 7114 for $12.74 (list price $14.99)

Amzdeal Skypix TSN410 300/600/900DPI Mobile Scanner A4 Document Color Photo USB Port Scanner for $45.89 (list price $129.99)

Scotch Thermal Laminator 2 Roller System (TL901) for $31.98 (list price $80.49)

Sharpie Clear View Highlighter Stick, Assorted, 4-Pack (1950749) for $7.99 (list price $9.78)

TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp ( With 3 Lighting Modes, 5 Dimmable Levels, Intelligent Memory Function, Convenient USB Charging Port, and Original and Innovative Design) – Black for $26.99 (list price $49.99)

LapGear Schoolhouse Wood LapDesk w/ storage (45075) for $35.89 (list price $49.99)

Samsonite Colombian Leather Flap-Over Messenger Bag, Black, One Size for $72.55 (list price $92.55)

Loew Cornell Soft Comfort Round Brush Set for $6.74 (list price $9.99)

Westcott Titanium Bonded Scissors Set, 5″ and 7″, Pack of 2 for $14.39 (list price $17.99)

Fiskars Gel Pen Set, 48-piece for $14.23 (list price $18.25)

Pilot FriXion Clicker 0.7mm, Erasable Gel Pens, Fine Point, Black Ink, Pack Of 6 for $14.95 (list price $17.58)

Pilot Metropolitan Collection Fountain Pen, Black Barrel, Classic Design, Fine Nib, Black Ink (91111) for $14.36 (list price $18.75)

LIHIT LAB Pen Case, Black, 3 x 9.4″ (A7552-24) for $9.06 (list price $10.99)

Sanford Sharpie Clear View Highlighter, Chisel Tip, 12-Pack, Yellow (1897847) for $12.87 (list price $14.34)

Mr. Sketch Scented Twistable Crayons, Assorted, 18-Pack (1951331) for $10.19 (list price $14.29)

BIC Velocity Bold Fashion Ball Pen, Bold Point (1.6 mm), Assorted, 8-Count for $4.97 (list price $8.29)

Zodaca [Wave Design] Soft Touch Desktop Tape Dispenser, Black Wave (With Tape) for $6.99 (list price $8.99)

International Arrivals Yummy Yummy Scented Glitter Gel Pens (132-14) for $10.55 (list price $18.95)

C-Line Peel and Stick Dry Erase Sheets, 11 x 8.5 Inches, 25 per Box (57911) for $19.79 (list price $35.04)

Personalized Cartoon Bag, IIT 2D / 3D Drawing from Cartoon Paper Bag, Recorder Print Beach Tote Bag for $23.99 (list price $39.99)

JumpFromPaper Blue Stripe Travel Bag for $57.50 (list price $115.00)

OUTDOORS, GARDEN, AND SPORTS

WORX TriVac WG500 12 amp All-in-One Electric Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum for $69.99 (list price $99.99) 

IRONMAN Triathlon X-Class Olympic Weight Tree/Bar Holder/Chrome Storage Post, 1000 lb for $79.00 (list price $93.42)

Spoga Premium Extra Thick 71-Inch Long High Density Exercise Yoga Mat with Comfort Foam and Carrying Straps, Red for $15.99 (list price $19.99)

Blue Buffalo Chicken Bits Value Size Dog Bones (1 Pouch), 9 oz for $9.60 (list price $13.99)

Ironman IFT 4000 Infrared Therapy Inversion Table for $289.00 (list price $499.00)

Aylio Self Massager with 7 Rolling Beaded Balls for $14.95 (list price $19.99)

Active Research – Ultra Bright LED Headlight Flashlight – Best LED Headlamp For Running, Hunting, Camping & Work – With White Light, Strobe Light & Red Light Modes for $9.99 (list price $19.99)

UNI-FAM Pulled Pork Shredder Claws – BBQ Meat Handler Forks – Salad Fork 2 Piece Set (black) for $7.99 (list price $19.99)

Swim Goggles with FREE Protective Case – EveShine Mirrored Non Fogging Anti-UV Swimming Goggles for $12.99 (list price $29.99)

Booda Tail-Spin Flyer Dog Frisbee, 10-inch for $10.79 (list price $11.92)

Premium Cat Scratcher by GoPets, Wedge Shaped Corrugated Cardboard is Reversible Lasts 2x Longer Includes 1 Pack Catnip, Natural Incline More Ergonomic Than Scratching Post, Cutouts to Hide Toys for $45.99 (list price $45.99)

Litom Bright 60 LED Solar Lights Outdoor Solar Security Lights with Motion Sensor Solar Flood Lights for $33.59 (list price $39.99)

Estilo 19-piece Stainless-steel BBQ Grill Tool Set with Aluminum Storage Case for $24.45 (list price $35.19)

MOTA Perfect Dinner Pet Feeder V2 – Fully Programmable Automatic Pet Food Dispenser, Record Your Voice, Control Portions and Feed Times for $69.34 (list price $119.99)

Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Beach Canopy Tent, Blue for $89.99 (list price $99.99)

Pet Nail Grinder , Petist Professional Electric Pet Nail Trimmer/ Clippers/ File with 3 Different Gentle Filing Wheel for Dogs and Cats / Premium Gentle Paws Pet Nail Grooming Tool Kit for $15.99 (list price $19.99)

KONG Cozy Marvin Moose, X-Large for $9.98 (list price $17.99)

Zulu Shorty Tritan Plastic Water Bottle, Grey, Standard for $11.04 (list price $12.99)

Evecase Lightweight Packable Travel Luggage Duffle Bag For Sports, Gym, Vacation for $16.99 (list price $39.99)

Ecourban Adjustable Waist Trimmer Belt (2 colors for Men&Women) for $12.59 (list price $25.99)

EcoGear FX LED Flashlight (TK120): Professional LED Flashlight for Camping, Security, Tactical and General Use – Offers a Zoom Function, 5 Light Modes and a Memory Light Mode for $14.99 (list price $24.99)

Ironman iControl 400 Disk Brake System Inversion Table for $199.00 (list price $249.00)

Dogswell Vitality Chicken Recipe Grillers 15-oz USA Made for $12.33 (list price $19.99)

ELECTRONICS

NETGEAR WiFi DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router (C3000-100NAR) Certified Refurbished for $49.95 (list price $67.99)

Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball, Computer Wireless Mouse, Long Range Wireless Mouse for $20.25 (list price $59.99)

Logitech Trackman Marble Mouse, Four-Button, Programmable, Dark Gray for $14.99 (list price $29.99)

Eton NGWSATB Satellit AM/FM with RDS and Shortwave Radio, Black for $123.99 (list price $229.99)

Cyber Acoustics 30 Watt Powered Speakers with Subwoofer for PC and Gaming Systems in Frustration Free Packaging, (CA-3602FFP) for $31.95 (list price $49.99)

Celestron Amoeba Dual Purpose Digital Microscope 44326 for $49.00 (list price $89.95)

Sabrent Premium 4 Port Silver Aluminum USB 3.0 Hub (30″ cable) for iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Mini, or any PC [Silver] (HB-MAC3) for $14.99 (list price $29.99)

Vomercy Bluetooth Headphones Wireless Headset Over Ear Headphones Passive Noise Cancelling Hi-fi Stereo Headphone NFC Matt Finish Black for $69.99 (list price $99.99)

TiVo Mini with IR/RF Remote – With No Monthly Service Fees – Extends Your TiVo DVR for $122.74 (list price $149.00)

Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800, Computer Keyboard Wireless, Desktop Keyboard for $49.99 (list price $99.99)

Lexar Professional Workflow HR1 Four-Bay USB 3.0 Reader Hub LRWHR1RBNA for $49.05 (list price $59.99)

iGotSmart Multifunction PC soundbar speaker office organizer with USB hubs, charging port, white for $28.80 (list price $69.99)

Drobo Gen 3: Direct Attached Storage – 4 bay array  – USB 3 port. (DDR3A21) for $231.89 (list price $267.99)

BÖHM Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones with Inline Microphone – Black / Silver for $84.99 (list price $159.95)

1byone Belt-Drive 3-Speed Portable Stereo Turntable with Built in Speakers, Supports RCA Output / Headphone Jack / MP3 / Mobile Phones Music Playback, Black for $54.99 (list price $99.99)

Logitech Wireless Solar Desktop Keyboard K750 for Mac – Black for $39.99 (list price $59.99)

GAMDIAS EROS V2 Gaming Headset for PS4,Xbox One, 3.5mm with USB Extension with Virtual Surround Sound 7.1, with 50mm speaker,Smart remote control with uni-directional microphone (GHS3200U) for $26.44 (list price $39.99)

Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920, Widescreen Video Calling and Recording, 1080p Camera, Desktop or Laptop Webcam for $49.95 (list price $67.99)

LaView 6 1080P IP Camera Security System 8 CH 1080P IP PoE NVR w/2TB HDD & 4 IP Bullet, 2 IP Dome 2MP Camera for $674.32 (list price $799.99)

VicTsing USB External DVD-Reader with CD-RW Burner Drive (Black) for $17.99 (list price $25.99)

All-New Echo Dot (2nd Generation) – Black + Philips Hue Starter Kit preorder for $99.99 (list price $119.98)

iXCC 50W 6-Ports Desk Wall Charger SMART Charging for Galaxy Note 7, S7/S6 Edge, iPhone 6S/6S Plus, iPad/iPad Air/iPad Mini and More(White) for $19.99 (list price $34.99)

Panasonic Link2Cell Bluetooth KX-TGE274S 4 Handsets Corldess Phone with Large Keypad, Silver for $93.59 (list price $129.95)

Turbot Backlit Water-Resistant 104-Key Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for PC Gamers, Typists for $59.99 (list price $79.99)

Fosmon HD8062 [Supports 4K, Full HD1080p, 3D] Intelligent 5-Port HDMI Switch | Switcher with IR Remote and AC Adapter for $24.99 (list price $49.99)

AUKEY 4320 Joules Surge Protector 6-Port 43W/8A USB Charger with 8 Outlets & Quick Charge 3.0 USB Port for $34.99 (list price $43.99)

Linksys AC1900 Dual Band Open Source WiFi Wireless Router (WRT1900ACS) for $179.99 (list price $249.99)

Lenovo Ideacentre 300 Desktop, Black (Intel Core i3, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB HDD, Windows 10) 90DA00LPUS for $374.99 (list price $449.99)

TOOLS

DEWALT DCD785C2 20V MAX Lithium Ion Compact 1.5 Ah Hammer Drill/Driver Kit w/ DCS380B 20-Volt MAX Li-Ion Reciprocating Saw for $199.00

DEWALT DCS355D1 20V XR Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit with DWA4216 5-Piece Accessory Kit Bundle for $159.00

DEWALT DCK296M2 20V XR Lithium Ion Brushless Premium Hammerdrill and Impact Driver Combo Kit for $267.29 (list price $280.71)

Tripp Lite 4 Outlet Surge Protector/Suppressor Power Strip, 4ft Cord, & $1K INSURANCE (TLP404) for $7.99 (list price $17.73)

SentrySafe CB12 Medium Cash Box, Black for $14.97 (list price $20.30)

Stanley STMT71654 201-Piece Mechanics Tool Set for $69.99 (list price $76.90)

Hyperikon T8/T10/T12 LED Light Tube, 8FT, UL-Listed, 36W (75W equivalent), 5000K (Crystal White Glow), Clear Cover, Dual-Ended Power, 3800 Lumens – (Pack of 4) for $105.67 (list price $119.80)

Nippon Labs CT-4MINI-BK 4″ Mini Cable Ties, 100 Pieces/Bag, Black for $3.92 (list price $4.99)

Hitachi NT65M2S 2-1/2-Inch 16-Gauge Finish Nailer with Integrated Air Duster, Silver for $99.00 (list price $109.00)

Top Flite Sealing Iron for $19.99 (list price $27.99)

Craftsman 9-41161 6 in 1 Screwdriver for $10.01 (list price $13.99)

DEWALT DCS361M1 20V Max Cordless Miter Saw for $349.00 (list price $399.00)

Woods 267 16/3 SJTW General Purpose Extension Cord, Orange, 25-Foot for $6.92 (list price $13.55)

Hoffman Richter HR-100 13-in-1 Multitool for $39.95 (list price $69.95)

Master Magnetics 07565 Magnetic Pick-Up Tool, Telescoping, Retrieving Magnet with Scribe, 25″ Length, 3 lb Hold for $5.98 (list price $17.04)

Hitachi DS18DGL 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver (Lifetime Tool Warranty) for $89.00 (list price $129.97)

Triangle Bulbs T95059-6 (6 pack) – 9-Watt (50-Watt) R20 Indoor Flood LED Light Bulb, Soft white, 800 Lumens, 6-Pack for $29.99 (list price $39.99)

Craftsman 9-31794 Slotted Phillips Screwdriver Set, 17 Piece for $27.38 (list price $54.59)

WOMUL LED Color Changing Hand Showerhead Rainbow LED Showers Head Light Bathroom Shower Heads for $18.69 (list price $27.99)

Black & Decker RS500K 8.5-Amp Reciprocating Saw Kit for $51.57 (list price $57.30)

Hyperikon LED Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 12″, 20W (75W equivalent), 1520lm, 3000K (Soft White Glow), 120° Beam Angle, 120V, UL and ENERGY STAR Listed, 12-Inch Flush Mount, Dimmable for $42.95 (list price $59.95)

Presa Premium Paint Brushes Set, 5 Piece for $10.61 (list price $14.99)

EverBrite 18-Pack Mini Aluminum LED Flashlight Set with Lanyard Batteries Included for $19.99 (list price $29.00)

Honeywell RTH9580WF1005/W1 Wi-Fi Smart Touchscreen Thermostat, Silver, Works with Alexa (no hub required) for $171.99 (list price $206.99)

Stanley 33-525 25-Foot-by-1-Inch PowerLock Tape Rule with Blade Armor for $15.79 (list price $23.50)

Nail-on, 1″ Heavy Duty Felt Pads for Wood Furniture and Hard Surfaces (8 piece) – Brown, Round for $4.47 (list price $6.52)


September 27, 2016 – 12:41pm

Amazon Product Id: 
B00KYCEZQO

12 Unusual Sayings About Money From Around the World

When it comes to speaking another language, you have to learn more than just vocabulary. All languages have aphorisms that just don’t translate neatly into other cultures, even if you know what the words technically mean.

To that end, the insurance comparison site GoCompare.com put together this handy infographic of how people talk about money around the world. Because whether you’re traveling to Sweden or Bulgaria, you should know how to call someone stingy.

Know of something you think we should cover? Email us at tips@mentalfloss.com.


September 27, 2016 – 2:30pm

5 Strange Suggestions About How To Fight the Dust Bowl

filed under: History, Lists
Image credit: 
Getty Images

It was a disaster of mankind’s own making. By the 1930s, chronic overfarming in the Great Plains had devastated the native grasses that had held topsoils in place. As the plants were uprooted, the dirt dried and loosened, setting the stage for an environmental catastrophe.

In 1931, a drought hit the region—it would last eight years—and the exposed soil was blown away by a series of gigantic dust storms. Mountain-sized dirt clouds became a common sight all over Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico. Nobody who lived there had ever experienced anything like it: skies were blackened, barnyards were buried, and millions of farmers became homeless refugees. As the crisis raged on, people piped up with some wild ideas about how to finally put an end to this “dust bowl.” Here are five of the most peculiar suggestions.

1. PAVE OVER THE GREAT PLAINS.

Many well-meaning citizens assumed that if they could just cover up the loose dirt somehow, it would stop getting blown around so much. New Jersey’s Barber Asphalt Company reached out to the federal government and offered to pave over the afflicted area. Their price? Five dollars per acre. Sounds like a bargain—until you consider the fact that the dust bowl had engulfed around 100 million acres. Meanwhile, a Pittsburgh steel manufacturer wanted to install wire netting over multiple counties, and a company known as Sisalkraft proposed blanketing the ground with its rugged brand of waterproof paper. A similar idea involved laying concrete down over every field in the region and leaving a few holes for future crops.

2. COVER THE TERRAIN WITH BROKEN-DOWN CARS.

One North Carolinian’s suggestion ideally would have killed two birds with one stone. As environmental historian Donald Worster writes in his book Dust Bowl: The Southern Plains in the 1930s, “Mrs. M.L. Yearby of Durham, North Carolina saw an opportunity to beautify her own state by shipping its junked autos out to the plains to anchor the blowing fields.”

3. BOMB THE SKY.

Explosives expert Tex Thornton tried ending the drought with dynamite. In a sales pitch given to the citizens of Dalhart, Texas, he explained that if the explosive was launched skywards and detonated aerially, immediate rainfall would follow. Embracing Thornton’s idea, the town gave him $300 to cover his expenses. Judgment day came on May 1, 1935, when the would-be hero set up shop by a local lake. Thousands of curious onlookers watched from afar as Thornton tied balloons to his dynamite sticks, which had been fitted with timed fuses.

Things quickly went awry once a violent dust storm arrived on the scene. The high winds made it too dangerous for Thornton to even think about releasing the explosives, especially now that a crowd was present. So in a last-ditch effort to deliver the goods, he buried his dynamite and set it off under the ground. Thornton’s Plan B backfired spectacularly: The blast just propelled extra dirt into the dusty atmosphere.

After a few more attempts, rain did come to Dalhart—as well as in regions too far away to be affected by his explosions. A victorious Thornton left Dalhart supposedly saying, “I’m mighty glad that the people of Dalhart and the Panhandle got moisture—and if I had anything to do with it, I’m doubly glad.”

4. USE DEAD REPTILES AS YARD DECOR.

Contemporary folklore claimed that if you hung a deceased snake belly-up over a fence post, it would rain the next morning. When all else failed, some farmers actually tried this during the dust bowl years. Ironically, live snakes would have been far more useful to them. Back then, famished jackrabbits regularly turned up in droves to devour the few crops that were still being grown on the Great Plains. In western Kansas, the situation was so bad that citizens responded by organizing what became known as “jackrabbit drives.” Those involved formed huge lines and marched side-by-side for miles on end. Using their own bodies, they’d corral every rabbit in sight into an enclosure and club them to death. Yet if the species’ natural predators—like certain snakes—had been a bit more common, this drastic measure might not have been necessary. Who knows?

5. BRING THE RAIN WITH A FAUX MILITARY BATTLE.

Many of the more intense showdowns in the American Civil War, including Gettysburg, were followed by severe rainfall. This and other accounts over the years helped give rise to the once widespread belief that artillery caused downpours—a notion that was still fairly pervasive in the 1930s (and was broadly the same hypothesis that Thornton was working with).

One soldier from Denver petitioned the federal government for $20 million worth of ammunition, after which he would round up 40,000 members of the Civilian Conservation Corps for a couple of phony battles. After some non-lethal cannon fire, the rains would return—or at least, that was the plan. “Try it, if it works, send me a check for $5000 for services rendered,” wrote the soldier.


September 27, 2016 – 2:00pm

The Science of How The Wave Is Performed at Sporting Events

filed under: science, Sports
Image credit: 
Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

The Wave, a favorite of crowds at professional sports arenas, was first recorded at an Oakland baseball game in 1981. It has gone on to delight and disgruntle sports fans at virtually every baseball game since. It’s such a widespread phenomenon that it has even become the subject of scientific inquiry, as Vocativ recently reported.

A Hungarian biological physicist named Illes Farkas studied The Wave (also known as the Mexican Wave, since it made a notable appearance at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico City) as part of a study published in a 2002 edition of the prestigious journal Nature. He was primarily interested in the way the social phenomenon mimics how particles behave, and to analyze crowd behavior, his team used models originally created to study cardiac tissue.

Please enjoy this very important analysis of how The Wave usually works, according to Farkas’s study: (Note that meters have been changed to feet.)

“The wave usually rolls in a clockwise direction and typically moves at a speed of about [39 feet] (or 20 seats) per second and has a width of about [19 to 39 feet] (corresponding to an average width of 15 seats). It is generated by no more than a few dozen people standing up simultaneously, and subsequently expands through the entire crowd as it acquires a stable, near-linear shape.”

Now you know that if you really want to start The Wave, you’re going to have to convince a few dozen people to do it with you. Science says so.

[h/t Vocativ]

Know of something you think we should cover? Email us at tips@mentalfloss.com.


September 27, 2016 – 1:30pm

Sacramento Is Now Home to a Permanent Jeff Koons Sculpture

filed under: art, cities
Image credit: 
Getty Images

Artist Jeff Koons—whose sculpture Balloon Dog sold for $58.4 million in late 2013, setting a world record for highest price paid for a living artist’s work—has debuted a new statue in Sacramento, ARTnews reports.

Koons officially unveiled the permanent installation on Monday, September 26. It’s a special edition of the artist’s Coloring Book sculpture—an 18-foot work created from a mirror and polished stainless steel, covered in a light wash of color. It was commissioned for a plaza outside the Golden 1 Center, a brand-new indoor multipurpose venue in downtown Sacramento. (The Center will host an open house October 1, and will serve as home arena for the Sacramento Kings NBA basketball team.)

So far, Koons has created five versions of Coloring Book, which was inspired by the character of Piglet from Winnie the Pooh. They’ve been displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Royal Academy of Arts in London, among other venues. Sacramento’s Coloring Book is uniquely colored, and it’s also the first in the series to be installed in a public area, Sactown Magazine reports.

It’s also a testament to Sacramento’s commitment toward investing in public art. But that doesn’t mean everyone loves the statue, CBS Sacramento says. Some people have criticized its steep price ($8 million), and others say that the city should have commissioned a local artist instead of an international one.

[h/t ARTnews]

Know of something you think we should cover? Email us at tips@mentalfloss.com.


September 27, 2016 – 1:00pm

Invasive Comb Jellies Crowd the Adriatic Sea

Image credit: 

Steven G. Johnson via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0

In 1982, an unwelcome visitor arrived in the Black Sea. An oil tanker traveling from the American Atlantic dumped its ballast water into the sea, releasing a flood of warty comb jelly stowaways along with it. The alien invaders have since ravaged the area’s native fish populations, and now New Scientist reports that they’ve become a threat along the northern Adriatic coast.

Warty comb jellies (Mnemiopsis leidyi) have been seen in the Adriatic sea since 2005, but this summer marked the first time they’ve been present in such great numbers. Davor Lučić of the Institute for Marine and Coastal Research in Dubrovnik, Croatia told New Scientist that the clusters get as dense as 500 jellies per square meter in some spots. That estimate is based on fully-matured specimens—the number of juveniles is likely even higher.

The swarms have been documented along the Adriatic coast from Slovenia to Pesaro, Italy. Lagoons in northern Italy have been clogged with the creatures since July. The animals pose no direct threat to people, but their appetite has already proven disastrous to whatever ecosystem they invade.

A few of the warty comb jelly’s meals of choice include fish eggs, fish larvae, and zooplankton. Zooplankton also happens to be the main food source for many commercial fish in the area. Less than a decade after the introduction of the comb jelly into the Black Sea, local anchovy and sardine fisheries were devastated. The seafood industry had lost billions by the mid-’90s.

Now, there’s threat of a repeat catastrophe in the Adriatic Sea. The mass emergence of the species coincides with anchovy spawning season, a crucial time for one of the sea’s most commercially significant fish. Some scientists are looking on the bright side: the Adriatic is more open and less polluted than the Black Sea, and its local fauna is more diverse. This makes the native populations better equipped to survive the invasion. Additionally, Mnemiopsis leidyi isn’t the sea’s only uninvited guest. Another comb jelly, Beroe ctenophore, has also invaded the waters, and scientists hope the aliens might contribute to one another’s demise.

Mnemiopsis likely entered the Adriatic through a ship’s ballast, the same Trojan horse it rode into the Black Sea. This problem isn’t limited to invasive jellies: A list of destructive species from ants to mussels have been introduced to new environments this way. A global treaty that aims to put an end to the issue will go into effect next year.

[h/t New Scientist]

Know of something you think we should cover? Email us at tips@mentalfloss.com.


September 27, 2016 – 12:30pm